The Family of God By George Stroh October 11, 2010
"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Someone once said to Jesus, "Behold, Your mother and your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:47-49).
This must have been a curious statement to those who were present, but Jesus was telling them and us that those who love Him and His Father are His true family. As Christians we belong to the family of God. Jesus was not disparaging His human family or the importance of the human family. He was teaching them and us the preeminence of the family of God. This family relationship is closer than our human family relationship and will continue, not only in this life, but for all eternity. As believers, God is our Father and we are heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. We are indeed brothers and sisters in the family of God.
Because we are family, we have a family love for one another; Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:16). When one of my brothers or sisters is rejoicing, I rejoice with them and when they are hurting, I hurt with them. That is what family members do. We care about each other, so we confront one another regarding sin. We share our time and material resources with those brothers and sisters who need our help. We meet their needs as best we can, because that is what family members do. We always forgive each other and we always encourage each other to do the right thing . We protect each other from those who would do us harm and we pray for one another, because that is what family members do.
There is a song written by Bill Gaither that we sometimes sing in our Church entitled "The Family of God";
"You will notice we say brother and sister 'round here, It's because we're a family and these folks are so near.
I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God; I've been washed in the fountain Cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family the family of God."
I'm so thankful that I'm part of the family of God! How about you? Maranatha!
